WALWORTH COUNTY, Wis. - Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has been identified in a commercial poultry flock in Walworth County.
Bird flu in Walworth County
What we know:
The affected location has been quarantined to restrict movement of poultry and poultry products. Birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the disease from spreading. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) animal health officials are responding.
Bird flu confirmed in Jefferson County commercial poultry flock
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has been identified in a commercial poultry flock in Jefferson County.
Quarantine protocols
Big picture view:
When bird flu is found in a Wisconsin poultry flock, a control area is established within a 10 kilometer area around the area to restrict movement on or off any premises with poultry.
To help determine if poultry is in an active control area or surveillance zone, poultry owners are encouraged to use DATCP’s mapping tool.
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Monitoring illness in humans
What we know:
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and Walworth County Public Health are monitoring exposed farm workers for bird flu symptoms. The risk to the general public in Wisconsin is low.
Preventing the spread
Big picture view:
DATCP urges all livestock owners to implement strong biosecurity measures to protect their flocks and herds from the disease. That includes washing hands, disinfecting equipment, restricting access to animals, and separating new additions to the flock or herd for at least 30 days.
Poultry owners are asked, when possible, to keep their birds indoors.
The Source: FOX6 News referenced information from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).